Tacoma Housing Authority is developing attractive and equitable mixed-use, mixed-income apartments in amenity-rich West Tacoma, close to transit, shopping, entertainment, and Tacoma Community College.
As of April 2026, Aviva Crossing includes 129 units completed as of April 2026, with another 375 units planned, alongside 30,000 square feet of existing commercial retail space. We are excited about expanding our presence into a highly sought-after part of Tacoma, and to increase affordable residential and commercial opportunities in West Tacoma.
Details
Aviva Crossing is an envisioned community with diverse mixed-income housing and communal open and green space designed with pedestrians and environmental sustainability in mind.
THA purchased James Center North as it offers a unique opportunity to acquire a property that may be redeveloped to provide both market rate and affordable rental housing in a mixed-use setting that is adjacent to a transit center and within walking distance of grocery stores, parks, a community college and public schools.
The Master Planning process for site design of affordable and market-rate apartments began in the summer of 2018 and was completed in the spring of 2019. THA named the property Aviva Crossing in 2022, in honor of the exciting possibilities the property represents.
Location
Aviva Crossing is located at James Center North, a commercial center at 19th and Mildred, directly across the street from the Pierce Transit Center and Tacoma Community College. TCC serves over 14,000 students a year, many of whom report lack of housing as a barrier to success.
The site is within walking distance of a major grocery store, bank, and various other services, close to Minette and Titlow park, and will host the future final stop for Tacoma Link Light Rail. There are several schools in the area, including Geiger Montessori, Wainwright Middle School and Foss High School.
James Center North is 6.92 acres across five parcels, with 62,000 square feet of commercial retail space that is 52% occupied. It is zoned CCX, or Community Commercial Mixed Use, supporting THA’s vision for redeveloping the site with 300 multifamily units and commercial retail space.
JCN Aviva Crossing is within a Community Crossroads Center, as designated by Pierce County and the City of Tacoma. This will promote opportunity for a mix of uses and housing types with connections to recreational, cultural, and environmental amenities.
Partnerships
Aviva Crossing is a prime example of THA’s efforts to add more affordable housing units through partnerships with the community.
Mercy Housing (Lot 4)
THA leased land to Mercy Housing, who initially pledged to build 70 units on the 1.5-acre parcel of Lot 4. In 2022, Mercy agreed to expand their site to 129 units, and in 2023, THA committed rental assistance vouchers to support every unit in the building.
Walsh Construction led the construction of the Mercy building, and Mercy celebrated its grand opening in June 2026.
Others
THA is serving as facilitator of the Aviva Crossing development, arranging financing and cost sharing for utility upgrades to support the new residential capacity and committing project-based vouchers for residents. We
- KOZ: Developer of one building, restricted funds cannot be applied to the site
- City of Tacoma: Stormwater drainage and sewer improvements
- Tacoma Public Utilities: Electrical and water improvements
- Washington State Housing Finance Commission: Acquisition lender ($2 million, due 2025)
- Enterprise: Acquisition lender ($4 million, $3m outstanding, due 10/2023)